17th Annual Skechers Friendship Walk Raises Funds for Kids

Skechers holds their annual Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in a virtual setting this year. The event included many guest speakers and performers. Photo courtesy of The Beach Reporter

Sierra Melton
Staff Writer
Last Sunday, hundreds gathered at the Manhattan Beach Pier to participate in the 17th annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship walk. The walk consists of a 3.4-mile route to the Hermosa Beach Pier and back in support of children with special needs.
The walk had a record-setting turnout, with thousands of registrants and over $3.2 million made. The festivities included celebrity support, live music, and a pet-adoption event, creating a festive atmosphere.
Lauren Kalika of the Skechers Foundation noted the strong community response. “ We can see the excitement, and it’s amazing that Skechers has such a good turnout,” Kalika said. “The 17th annual walk’s proceeds go to help kids with special needs and public education and our national scholarship program, and we also have an animal-adoption event focusing on animals who need to find their forever homes.”
Lively participant Odette Matthews encouraged her peers.”Everybody should believe in yourself, and if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything, whether it’s raising money or any other goal,” Matthews said.The event served not just as a fundraiser, but as a visible demonstration of South Bay community strength and solidarity. Organizers say the funds will go directly to improving classrooms, expanding mentoring and social-recreation programs for neurodiverse youth, and awarding college scholarships.